Jaguars' Hot Starts Have Fueled Early-Season Success

With the Jacksonville Jaguars sitting atop the AFC South at 3-1 and looking like one of the more-complete teams around the NFL, the team is being lauded as a serious contender.

Starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence continues to play at a high level, while second-year tailback Bhayshul Tuten has stepped up in a post-Travis Etienne backfield.

But, the defense has been perhaps even more impressive, with Anthony Campanile's unit boasting the second-best scoring defense in the NFL (13.2 points per game).

On Monday, the Jaguars' PR team acknowledged the defense's success, noting that the Jaguars have not given up a first-half touchdown in 2026, making them just one of two teams since 2022 to do so through their first four games (2022 San Francisco 49ers).

The rushing defense has been stout, with Jacksonville surrendering under 75 yards on the ground to opposing offenses on average.

This was the recipe for success on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, holding starting running back Chase Brown to just 10 yards on nine carries.

Starting quarterback Joe Burrow did throw for 428 yards, but the Jaguars defense did a great job of holding up in the redzone and forcing takeaways - which has become a staple of Campanile's scheme.

The Jaguars forced 31 turnovers last season (22 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries), which were the second-most in the league, trailing only the Chicago Bears. 

This has carried over into this season, with linebacker Foyesade Oluokun and defensive back Jourdan Lewis each recording a pick against Burrow on Sunday.

Oluokun, who added seven tackles and an additional pass defensed, was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following the game.

The team's ability to get off to hot starts has been apparent as well, with Jacksonville boasting an NFL-best +52 point margin in the first half.

Outscoring opponents 61-9, Jacksonville's defense is yet to give up a touchdown in the opening two quarters, while the offense continues to produce early.

Even in the Jaguars' Week 2 loss, the team controlled the first half, entering the break up 10-3.

Heading into Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jaguars' defense will be looking to pounce on an injured and weakened offensive unit.

Star Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is unlikely to play, while future Hall-of-Fame offensive tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement earlier this week.

With Jacksonville's defensive line posting it's most-effective showing of the season against Cincinnati, expect Campanile to look to get after starting quarterback Jalen Hurts and his makeshift offensive line.